Business
Cargills Online becomes first ecommerce platform to integrate LANKAQR
Cargills Online has become the first and currently the only e-commerce platform in Sri Lanka to integrate LANKAQR for delivery thereby providing greater convenience to its customer base together with its wide merchandise offering. LANKAQR is a project initiative from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to ensure all QR codes and QR based transactions in Sri Lanka are standardized and interoperable.
How many of us have ordered groceries online and not received most of the order? Cargills Online revolutionised the grocery supply chain in Sri Lanka by introducing the dark store to solve this issue. Cargills Online offers the freshest produce and one of the range of products, providing a convenient, hassle-free delivery where customers can order weekly groceries in less than 2 minutes. Deliveries are efficiently carried out by professional delivery agents with consistent on time delivery. The dedicated customer experience team ensures that higher customer satisfaction at all times. In addition to LANKAQR, Cargills Online also offers cash and card on delivery and online payments. Cargills Online can be accessed via the App available on Android & iOS and the website https://cargillsonline.com/. Customers can use the mobile app or visit the website and select LANKAQR as the payment method. When the Cargills team delivers the order, the customer can use any payment app to make the payment using LANKAQR. Even if the payment option is selected as “Card On Delivery” or “Cash On Delivery”, the customer can pay via LANKAQR once the goods arrive.
Namal Rajapaksa – Minister of Youth & Sports, Minister of Development Co-ordination and Monitoring and State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development stated, “Sri Lanka is currently undergoing a revolution as we aim to deploy the latest technology so that we can increase financial inclusion in the country, strengthen trade and drive the economy towards prosperity. I am excited to see Cargills Ceylon coming forward to support us in this national effort. LANKAQR is one such initiative that we have conceptualized with the support of the Central Bank and Lanka Clear. A notable fact is that LANKAQR was entirely developed by using Sri Lankan expertise.”
From left: Senarath Bandara – Managing Director /CEO, Cargills Bank, Ranjit Page – Deputy Chairman / Group CEO, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, D Kumaratunge – Assistant Governor, Central bank Of Sri Lanka, Ajith Nivard Cabraal – Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Yohan Samuel- Delivery Agent, Cargills Online, Sanjeewa Premawaradana – General Manger / IT, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, Asanka Mahanama – Senior Manager – IT, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC and Roshan Dilruk – Operations Manager, Cargills Online
Ajith Nivard Cabraal – Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka commented, “The Central Bank of Sri Lanka introduced LANKAQR in partnership with LankaClear to fast track Sri Lanka’s journey towards becoming a cashless society while also boosting financial inclusion. SMEs are the engine of growth in the country and it is important for us to give them all the resources and support necessary to achieve their fullest potential. I thank Cargills Ceylon for joining hands with us to take this technology to its large, island wide customer base.”
Asoka Pieris – Managing Director Cargills Foods Company (Pvt) Ltd, “Cargills’ continued commitment and passion to improve the lives of all Sri Lankans led us to Cargills Online and ensured that customers can continue to purchase groceries at home while still enjoying the supermarket experience. By integrating LANKAQR, our valued customers will have even more flexibility when it comes to paying for their goods. We are proud to be the first and currently the only e-commerce platform in Sri Lanka to integrate LANKAQR for delivery.”
LANKAQR was introduced by the Central Bank together with licensed financial institutions and LankaClear (Pvt) Ltd with the aim of moving Sri Lanka towards a less-cash society and increasing financial inclusion across the country. LANKAQR allows customers to make payments, directly from their bank accounts to accounts of merchants or service providers, using payment apps of LANKAQR certified financial institutions. LANKAQR is a low-cost digital payment solution, which primarily targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Business
Government ready to provide necessary support to protect and develop businesses – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is committed to safeguarding businesses and providing the necessary support for their development.
She made these remarks while addressing the “National Industrial Excellence Awards 2024,” organized by the Industrial Development Board, held on February 21 at the Eagle Lakeside Hotel, Colombo.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented awards to the three best national industry brands of 2024:
• JBRICKS PVT LTD – Small-scale category
• SINGHE Furniture Manufacturer PVT LTD – Medium-scale category
• EARTHFOAM PVT LTD – Large-scale category
In her address, Prime Minister Amarasuriya commended the resilience and dedication of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, especially amid challenging economic times. “It is a pleasure to join you at this occasion. Witnessing your commitment to industry during these difficult times is a source of strength for us. The government is dedicated to protecting businesses and providing the necessary support for their development. Your involvement in these industries is crucial for our economic recovery,” she stated.
She further emphasized the importance of inclusive industrial growth, highlighting the significance of women’s entrepreneurship in building economic resilience. “Industries not only strengthen the economy but also generate vital employment opportunities. Despite challenges such as resource constraints, cultural barriers, and gender disparities, you continue to drive progress. We must amplify Sri Lanka’s brand globally. To the award-winning entrepreneurs: this is not the end of your journey but the beginning. Let us work together to rebuild our economy through industry,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of promoting Sri Lankan products globally. “Having a brand is vital, but it is even more valuable when it is recognized as Sri Lankan-made. Our goal should be to elevate the rupee to the strength of a dollar,”he remarked. The Minister highlighted initiatives in the recently presented 2025 budget that favor industrial growth, announcing plans for a national tax policy by the end of the year. “We aim to foster an industrial culture from the school level, enhance export revenue, and develop all sectors of industry. We call upon you to join us in this national endeavor,”he urged.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary of the Ministry Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, and numerous entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, all united in their commitment to drive Sri Lanka’s industrial advancement.
[Prime Minister’s media Division]
HNB Assurance Group (HNBA and HNBGI) has once again delivered impressive financial results for the year 2024, continuing its remarkable growth trajectory. The Group reported a 21% increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), rising from Rs. 18.8 billion to Rs. 22.7 billion. Additionally, the Group recorded a consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) exceeding Rs. 1.8 billion, marking a 7% growth compared to the previous year.
HNBA’s strong financial position was further highlighted by its upgraded Fitch rating, making it the only life insurer in Sri Lanka with an ‘A’ rating. HNBGI also earned an ‘A’ rating, positioning it among Sri Lanka’s leading general insurers.
Commenting on the achievements, Chairman Stuart Chapman expressed pride in the Group’s consistent growth, with a 22% average annual increase in GWP over the past four years. He also noted the 42% growth in share price by the end of 2024, reflecting market trust in HNBA’s stability.
CEO of HNBA, Lasitha Wimalaratne, highlighted significant milestones, including a 7.5% market share and a 27% growth in New Business Premiums. CEO of HNBGI, Sithumina Jayasundara, praised the company’s resilience, reporting a 59% increase in Profit After Tax and exceptional growth in non-motor insurance segments.
Overall, HNBA Group’s performance underscores its strong market presence and commitment to sustainable growth.
Chinese Dragon Café (CDC), Sri Lanka’s iconic Chinese restaurant chain, celebrates the first anniversary of its Dubai outlet. Established in 1942, CDC has become known for blending Sri Lankan spices with Chinese culinary techniques, creating a unique dining experience. The Dubai outlet, which opened in October 2023, is the first international expansion for the brand, representing Sri Lankan Chinese cuisine on the global stage.
CDC’s Managing Director, Udeshi, expressed pride in the warm reception the restaurant has received in Dubai, highlighting the universal appeal of its fusion dishes. The Hot Butter Cuttlefish, Nasi Goreng, and Seafood Fried Rice are some customer favorites. CDC’s Dubai outlet is also available on major delivery platforms, allowing diners to enjoy authentic Sri Lankan Chinese cuisine at home.
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